I know that for China, a degree is pretty much all you need (unless you're a non-native speaker).
India's virtually impossible to get a paid position in (their official second language is English), but fairly easy to get a voluntary position in.
I sorted out coming here and left within a month...it was pretty good! It's terrifying at first, but after a few weeks it's ok.
With the kids, it might be a bit different - you have company you know from the off!
Always look at local ways of travelling...then check them again to see if they're safe. If you're going to go alone (rather than with a company) ask in hostels and hotels what is the best way of travelling. For example, here the locals use sleeper buses to get from place to place, but I've been told that they're dangerous and there are more accidents with sleeper buses than any other, so I go by sleeper train instead. It's a little more expensive, but it is a lot safer.
Be careful where you trek. There are still some bandit countries littered about!
See, half of me says JUST GO! But...the other half says plan well and then take off at the right time...
Wherever/whenever you go remember the Golden Rule: Always make yourself comfortable wherever you are. I can't remember who it was that the Golden Rule came from. It was on Michael Palin TV programme someone said it. It is important. It doesn't matter what 'being comfortable' means - you could bring a pillow from home, or really comfy PJs, whatever it is.
